@rockabilysplit (continued from here)
A big point of group therapy, particularly with families, was to provide a safe space to observe and mediate interactions between members. However, with the Smith family, it was very clear to Dr. Wong that neither Beth nor Rick would feel safe in such a setting. Instead, she decided to talking to them alone, away from any need to prove things to others they cared about.
Her opening question, very much despite Rick’s efforts, told her a lot about where and how this session was probably going to go. It was a challenge for her honestly – many of the usual rules didn’t seem to apply here, especially when Rick genuinely seemed more comfortable making this into a fight than a symbiotic session. In particular, the fact that Rick called her ‘parasitic’ told her that he not only viewed needing help as a sign of weakness, but the act of offering it as an inherent challenge.
“Rick” she replied calmly. “I’m not here to undermine or attack you in any way. I know the very idea of asking for help from someone you see as inferior to yourself is revolting for you, and understandably so. I have no intention of holding your hand through anything – it’s clear you do not need nor desire that.”
“However, the fact that your daughter sent you here does mean that something is still unquestionably wrong in this family, something you haven’t been able to fix on your own yet. Given how intelligent and resourceful you are, I can only assume that means the problem hasn’t yet been identified, and that’s something I believe I can assist with. Do you have any theories as to what the problem might be?”
